All about acai berries

Kori Ellis is an editor and writer based in San Antonio, TX, where she lives with her husband and four children. At SheKnows, she writes about parenting, fashion, beauty and other lifestyle topics. Additionally, Kori has been published i...

Acai health & beauty benefits

You probably know that berries are good for you. Berries, such as blueberries and raspberries, supply the body with a number of helpful nutrients - many of which are difficult to find in other food. However, one type of berry that has been often overlooked until recently is the acai berry.

The acai berry started to garner some attention a few years back when Oprah talked about the little berry being number one on Dr. Perricone's top 10 Superfoods list. However, many people still aren't aware of its wonderful health and beauty benefits.

The acai berry is a berry that is primarily grown in the Brazilian rainforest and it's the approximately the size of a grape. Dark purple in color, the lone seed within the berry makes up more than 75% of the fruit. Acai berries are used in everything from ice cream to granola bars to energy drinks.

Acai berries and antioxidants

While the acai berry has many impressive nutritional elements, the amount of antioxidants within the berry is most notable. Although blueberries are known for being extremely high in antioxidants, acai berries actually have twice the amount of antioxidants.

Antioxidants are important in your everyday diet because they do a great job of actively protecting your body. As we age, our bodies suffer oxidative damage that can lead to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. The most effective way to combat oxidative damage is by consuming a lot of antioxidants in your diet.

Additional health benefits of the acai berry

While the amount of antioxidants in acai berries is important, these berries have a lot more to offer. Acai berries are also a great source of fiber. If you need to add fiber to your diet, eating acai berries is a safe and natural way to do so.

Fatty acids are also prevalent in acai berries, which have been linked to lowering cholesterol. Those who have consumed acai berries have reported numerous other positive results such as boosted energy levels, strengthened immune system and improved mental clarity.

Beauty benefits of the acai berry

Due to the acai berry being rich in antioxidants, these berries naturally help slow the aging process. If you regular eat acai berries, you may notice your skin begin to feel and look firmer. This is due to both the antioxidants and other nutrients that help circulation.

Weight loss has also been associated with acai berries. Berries, in general, are a very healthy food. The acai berries are no different.

Where to find acai berry products

The easiest way to reap the rewards of the acai berry is to drink acai berry juice. You can order acai juice off of the internet or find the berries or juice at your local health food store. Acai berry powder is also very popular. If you want a no-hassle option, consider taking acai berry pills.

No matter what form you decide to consume the acai berry, it is a healthy food option that you should consider adding to your regular diet.